by Shelly Jones
“Help me take a shower, wash my hair. I can have Mel help me, if you would rather not.” She scrunches her face up.
“Oh Emily, Emily, Emily. It’s a dirty job but it’s a job I’ll gladly do.” I smirk at her.
She bites down on her lower lip and blushes.
I get out of bed, go into her bathroom and get the shower warm. When I come back in the room she’s sitting up looking shy and embarrassed. “What’s wrong?” I ask. She doesn’t say anything, just looks down at the floor.
“Emily, what’s wrong?” I ask again, this time sitting on the floor at her feet. I reach up grab the piece of hair hanging in her face and brush it off to the side.
“I’m embarrassed . . .” She says quietly, taking a deep breath, “and I have bruises all over my body. I don’t look the same as I did the last time we were together. I don’t think you’re going to like what you see.” She says so quietly that if wasn’t sitting so close to her, I wouldn’t have heard her.
“Em, let me let you on in a little secret . . . You’re beautiful and sexy as fuck in anything you wear.”
“But Xander that’s me in clothes, my body is bruised up, I’ve been cut open. I’m ugly.” She says letting a tear fall from her eye.
“Those are battle wounds, those tell the story of the fighter you are and how much you fought to come back to me. You’re beautiful to me no matter what.” I stand up giving her my hands, “Now come on. Let’s get you cleaned up because you’re sort of stinking up the bedroom.” I wink at her. She takes my hands to stand up and pinches and twists my nipple. “Ouch!” I screech.
“That’s what you get for going all sweet and romantic straight to asshole and smartass!” She laughs and winces in pain.
I get her in the bathroom and gently take off her t-shirt and yoga pants. I stand back and look at her, she’s beautifully bruised up. Her eyes get huge when I take off my clothes. “What?” I ask taking her hand leading her into the shower with me.
“I didn’t think you were going to actually shower with me.” She says softly, but she’s surprised.
I shrug my shoulders and put her under the warm water, pour shampoo in my hand and wash her hair. I gently wash her entire body. I’ve lean in and kiss her bruises. “You’re beautiful,” I look down at her.
“You’re hard and horny.” She giggles.
“Yeah well, my hot ass girlfriend is standing in front of me naked and wet.” I pull her into me. She lets out a small moan. “Ok we need to get out of here, otherwise I’m going to push you up against this wall and fuck the shit out of you.” I reach behind her and turn off the shower.
“But Baby . . .” She whines and pouts.
“Don’t ‘Baby’ me! I don’t want to hurt you and it’s been a while since we’ve been together and I can’t promise I’m going to be easy the first time.”
Her eyes light up, she licks her lips and trails a finger up and down on my cock.
“Tease!” I growl at her. She giggles and steps out of the shower.
We spent the day out in the living room with Mel watching TV. She was tired of being confined to a bed.
“So what should we do for dinner?” Mel asks sitting on the red leather chair. Em and I are sitting on the matching leather sofa with her legs across mine. “Will Harlie eat pizza?” She asks me.
“Oh yeah, she loves it.”
“Then I want pizza and cheese breadsticks. I’ve been craving that since I woke up at the hospital.”
“Don’t have to tell me twice, I was trying to send you a mental message.” Mel says laughing.
“Oh, that’s what you were saying? I thought you were saying I had a nice ass or something.”
“Ohhh, look who is back. Smartass herself, thinking she’s got game!” Mel giggles.
I look at my watch, “Shit, I gotta go get Harlie.” I say, moving her legs off mine.
“Need anything while I’m out?”
Mel and Emily look at each other. “No, we’re good.”
“Ok I’ll be back in a little while with a very happy and excited little girl!” I kiss Em and wave at Mel.
I picked up Harlie from school and we pull up to Em’s house. Thank God her parents aren’t here yet.
“Now remember, Emily’s got broken ribs and she’s still not feeling all that great. So we have to be careful ok?” I remind her.
“Daddy, I know. I’ll be good. I promise. Now can we go in?”
I nod my head and I knock on the door, Mel yells for us to come in. “You do not need to knock. Just come in. You’re like part of this weird family.”
Em is sitting up on the couch when we come in, her color is slowly coming back and she just looks good.
“Emily!” Harlie shouts.
“Well, get over here and give me hug.” Emily says. Harlie walks up to Emily slowly and wraps her arms around Em’s neck. They hug for few seconds. Emily said something to Harlie and my daughter was all smiles. I haven’t seen that kind of smile in a very long time.
The night was amazing, we hung out on the couch watching the Disney movie “Frozen,” I now have “Let It Go” stuck in my damn head, and I am not happy about it. It is now the number one song on my “Songs I Hate” list.
I’m sitting in the middle of the couch, Emily has her head on one leg and Harlie has her head on the other. Mel looks over at me. “They’re both asleep.” She whispers.
I try to look but I can’t, I’m stuck. Mel pulls out her phone and takes a picture and shows it to me.
“I’m not asleep, Ass. I’m just resting my eyes.” Emily says trying to get up. Mel grabs her hands and helps her up. “My parents never came over.”
“This is weird, didn’t your mom say she’d be over again?”
“Yeah, she did.”
“It’s all your fault Xander! They saw your car here and they didn’t come in.” Mel laughs.
“Hey, don’t put this shit on me. It’s not my fault.”
“I’m joking, dude. Actually, if it were true, I’d give you a hug and buy you a beer. I know they’re family and all, but they drive me fucking insane. Hence the reason why I haven’t gone back to Wisconsin.”
Just as she was finishing that sentence there’s a knock at the door. Mel starts to laugh and she walks over to the door and look out the window. “Shit! It’s your parents.” She grits her teeth. She opens the door and in walks everyone.
“Oh, didn’t know you’d still be here.” Her father glares at me.
I didn’t say anything, just sat there with my daughter on my lap hoping to hell they don’t start shit in front of my kid because I will not put up with that shit.
Kathy noticed Harlie right away, “Is that your daughter?” She asks.
“Yep, this is Harlie.”
“She’s beautiful.” Hilary says.
“Yes she is. She’s a freaking sweetheart and a good hugger.” Emily says is a chipper tone. I grab Em’s leg and squeeze it. She smiles and winks at me.
“Daddy?” Harlie wakes up.
“Right here kiddo.” I rub her back. She sits up and looks around at all the people in the house. She sees Emily and gives her shy smile and wraps her arms around my neck and sits on my lap.
“You want to go home, Hun?” I ask her. Harlie nods into my chest. “I need to get her home.” I look over at Emily.
“I know. Coming over tomorrow?” She asks.
“I’ll be here after I get her off to school.” I stand up with Harlie in my arms. “Want to give Emily a hug before we leave?” She nods her head and I let her down.
“I’ll see you tomorrow after school, ok? Can you do me a huge favor?”
Harlie nods her head and smiles.
“Can you tell the class ‘thank you’ and that I will come visit soon.” Harlie nods her head yes.
Emily stands up, “I’m gonna walk you out.”
I get Harlie into the back seat and into her booster seat and start the car, so she has music on.
“As soon as these people are out of m
y house, it’s you, me, lots of kissing and snuggling. I don’t know I think we could probably put all that candy to good use.” Em says smirking at me. She’s feisty and she’s teasing me.
“You’ve gotten me hard, just by saying that.”
She puts her hand on my crotch and starts to rub it, “Well, that’s twice today.” She bites her lower lip.
“You’re such a fucking tease.” I say grabbing her face in my hands. “But you’re my tease.” I kiss her.
“Yes, yes I am. I’ll see you tomorrow?” She sighs and her eyes go sad.
“Of course you’ll see me tomorrow.” I kiss her gently again and release her face.
“Night, Xander,” She says softly.
“Good night, Emily. I love you.” I lift her chin to me.
She gives me a weak smile, “I love you too.” She turns and walks back into her house.
IT’S BEEN TWO weeks since I was in that accident. Two weeks since my life changed forever. My family is still here, but Kathy, Danny and Hilary are going home tomorrow. Xander has been by my side every day. We just haven’t gotten any alone time, and it’s driving me fucking crazy. I can’t think about that right now though because tonight we are all getting together and having dinner. When I say all, I’m talking my parents, siblings, Xander, Harlie, and his parents, Mel and I invited Reese and Blake and their kiddos as well. We decided that since Xander’s place is bigger, we would do it there.
“Emily, are you sure this is enough?” My mom says looking at the three dishes she made, her homemade macaroni and cheese, potato salad and homemade baked beans. Not to mention the tray of brownies, and the chocolate and strawberry cheesecake I made.
“Mom, it’s plenty. Plus his mom is cooking up a storm too. You’d like her Mexican food. It’s to die for.”
“Has Xander seen you in the kitchen yet?”
I let out a laugh that hurts, “Fuck that hurt! No, he hasn’t. Not yet.”
“Oh, so this man doesn’t know what kind of a cook you are? Well, he’s in for a treat when you’re feeling better.” My mother winks at me.
“Yeah, we’ll see. I don’t have much time for cooking these days. Work hours aren’t all that nice and I hate eating dinner after 6pm, so we’ll see if I can actually cook him a meal.”
“Emily Grace! Weekends. Haven’t I taught you anything? Weekends are perfect for big meals.”
“Yeah but on my weekends, all I want to do is curl up with my iPad, read a book and eat junk food.” I laugh. And it’s true well for the most part. I also like being on the back of Xander’s Harley, drinking and having sex with him in his office. I shake my head, just thinking about that is getting me worked up. Damn it!
“What are you thinking about?” Kathy comes in and asks.
“Nothing, nothing at all.”
“Yeah bullshit, but whatever. I probably don’t want to know anyways.”
“You’re right. You don’t.” I stick my tongue out at her. “How bad you missing Derek?”
“Oh god¸ you have no idea, we’ll be lucky if we make it home. I’m probably going to attack him on the side of the road.”
“Dude, I didn’t mean it that way. Yuck. La-la-la-la. I need to get those thoughts out of my head.” I make a gagging noise. “Wait, you can’t do that because you’re going to have Hilary!”
“Jesus Emily, haven’t I taught you anything? Rest stops girl. Rest stops.”
“Shut up! All those times we went to Great America and you two stopped at the rest area.” Kathy is laughing so hard her eyes are watering. “Yep!” She lets out.
“Oh my God, I’m telling Mom!”
“Telling Mom what?” My mom walks back into the kitchen.
“Nothing!” Kathy snaps.
“Your daughter is a pig. That’s all!”
“Yeah, well at least she’s married and having sex, unlike someone I know.” My mother gives me that look.
Fuck off! I shout in my head. Instead of saying it, I just give her the eye roll and walk away.
I’m finally in something other than yoga pants and a tank top. I decided on my black and white striped cotton maxi skirt, white tank top, denim jacket and black flip flops and the necklace Xander gave me. I apply a little bit of make-up and my hair, yeah well, that’s just tucked behind my ears.
I walk out of the bathroom and Mel is standing in my doorway in her skinny jeans, green sweater and black boots that go to her knees. “Wow Em, you look nice. You know you could have asked me to help, I would have.”
“Thanks, but I gotta try to do this shit on my own.” I say grabbing a pain pill. Yeah, maybe I should have asked for help.
“When are your parents leaving?”
“I have no idea. I’m hoping soon. I love them and all, but I miss Xander. Here we are, supposed be starting us, and they’re here and it’s so hard to “date” with them being here judging him. My dad doesn’t even want to go tonight. He has nothing nice to say and I’m just ready to tell him to fuck off and get out of here.”
“Do it Em! You don’t have to take this shit from them. You came all the way out here to be you. Just because you were involved in an accident and shit, doesn’t give them the right to do this shit to you!”
“I know. We’ll see how tonight goes. Who knows, maybe they will all leave tomorrow!”
We pull into the driveway of Xander’s house, “This is where he lives?” Danny asks.
“Yup!” I say, my stomach hurts. Two weeks ago today I came here and told him I loved him and he told me he didn’t love me and our friends with benefits was over. I was pregnant two weeks ago too. My thoughts are going a wild. I don’t even realize my hand is on my stomach until Mel touches my hand.
“You ok, Em?”
“I don’t know. I really don’t know.” I look over at her.
“What happened?” Danny asks.
“Nothing, don’t worry about it.” I snap.
“Here?” Mel mouths.
I nod my head yes.
“Shit. This was a bad idea.”
I shake my head no, “Things are different, and they’re good, Right?” I ask for reassurance from Mel.
“Yes, yes they are. What happened two weeks ago brought you two together, as shitty as that sounds.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Ok, I can do this.” I take a deep breath and look towards the door. Xander is standing there watching me. “Alright, let’s do this.” I say taking a deep breath.
I open the car door and get out. Xander can see I’m in pain and having a hard time getting out. He’s right there within seconds.
“Hi,” He smiles at me but it quickly changes when he sees my face.
“Hi,” I reply.
“You look nice,” He says.
“Thanks.” I give him a short answer. Mel hands me my purse.
“Well come on, let’s go in. Reese, Blake and the kids are here.” He says.
“Ok.” My tone is short and no emotion to it.
We get inside and Harlie comes flying up to me and hugs my leg.
“Hey kiddo. How are you?”
“I’m good. Izzy and Jameson are here too.” She tells me.
“Alright, well, where are they? I need some Izzy loving!” She takes my hand and leads the way. Xander helped my parents unload the car. Harlie walks me outside to where the kids are playing and my other family is sitting.
“Oh girl! I am so happy to see you!” Reese comes up and gives me a hug.
“God, I’ve missed you.” I say quietly.
“You going to be ok to do this?”
“I have to be, right, if I want to be with him. Just shit is a little fresh, all of a sudden.”
“You two need time alone to talk. There’s so many things that haven’t been said, that need to be said. Especially with that baby.” Reese tells me. She’s right too. There has been no talking whatsoever.
“You look amazing by the way.”
“Thanks! Now where’s that Izzy. Auntie needs some loves!” I look over at Blake hold
ing the little brown haired, brown eyed chunky girl. He brings her over to me.
“Izzy, can I have a kiss?” I point to my cheek and she lays a wet open kiss on me. She lunges for me to hold her. “No, you can’t go to Auntie.”
“The hell she can’t! I’ll sit and she can come to me.” And I take a seat on the black metal chair with red cushions. Blake hands Izzy to me and all she wants to do it play with my necklace.
“Crap! Mom, Dad, Kathy, Danny and Hilary. This is Blake and Reese. Jameson is over there with Harlie and this chunky princess is Izzy.” I tell my parents, “Guys, this is my family.” I giggle.
I pretty much have avoided Xander since I got here, but I know as soon as I go into the house to use the bathroom he’s going to follow me, but I can’t hold it in any longer. “I’ll be back.” I let Mel and Reese know. I get up and walk into the house and just like I thought, Xander is right behind me.
“You can use my bathroom.” He says behind me.
“Thanks.” I walk towards his room and go into his bathroom. The bathroom has tan walls with tan tile. A Jacuzzi bathtub in the corner, a wall of mirrors sits above two sinks and counter space, with a walk in shower. I finish doing what I have to do. I’m standing in the mirror, “You can do this. You guys are together. If you want to stay together, you have to get over this, because this is his house.” I tell myself in the mirror. One last deep breath I go to the door and open it. He’s sitting on his bed, watching the door.
“Are we ok?” He asks.
“I guess, I don’t know. Two weeks ago I was here telling you I loved you and you made me leave. Two weeks ago I was pregnant. Two weeks ago I lost you, my baby and almost my life. It’s just a little weird right now. I don’t know how to feel or act right now. I know I should be happy you love me, but in the same sense . . .” I stop and wipe the tears from my eyes, “I lost a lot two weeks ago and it’s hard. We haven’t even gotten to talk. Don’t get me wrong. I love you and you being with me every day is great, but part of me wonders if it’s guilt. I don’t know how I’m feeling right now.”
He’s not saying anything. He’s just staring at me like he always does. His hair is combed back, he’s got more scruff on his face than I’ve seen in a while. His signature baggy jeans, but today instead of a cotton t-shirt he’s wearing a blue plaid flannel shirt. He’s fucking sexy, but he’s not fucking saying anything.